Patron Perspectives 2024/25 | Empowering Business Security Through Cyber

This blog series brings together sector reflections from our Patron network – leaders who play an active role in shaping Kingston’s economy and supporting its business community.

Each piece was first published in our 2024/25 Impact Report, where we asked: what’s changed over the past year – and what’s likely to shape what’s next?

The result is a collection of expert, actionable editorials. Throughout this series you’ll find perspectives on housing, education, digital experience professional services and more, reflecting the challenges and opportunities shaping Kingston’s economy.

In today’s fast-paced and increasingly digital business environment, well-managed IT is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. From safeguarding sensitive data to enabling day-to-day operations, IT infrastructure underpins everything a modern organisation does.

As cyber threats become more sophisticated, businesses are realising that strong cyber security and streamlined systems are essential, not only for protection but also for growth. At IQ in IT, we’ve been working closely with businesses across a range of sectors to ensure their IT systems are secure, efficient, and aligned with their goals.

CYBER ESSENTIALS CERTIFICATION

Cyber security has become a central focus, with more businesses turning to Cyber Essentials certification to protect themselves, meet compliance requirements and win new contracts. As both an accreditation body and experienced consultants, we have helped numerous organisations achieve certification and reduce their risk.

The results speak for themselves. Organisations with Cyber Essentials certification are 92% less likely to make a cyber insurance claim, and many see up to an 80% reduction in incidents once the controls are in place. It’s clear that investment in cyber security not only protects businesses – it makes them more competitive.

Beyond security, we’ve been driving efficiency through automation. More of our clients are now using technology to streamline admin-heavy processes, freeing up valuable time and increasing profitability. Whether it’s automating repetitive tasks or integrating smarter workflows, this shift helps businesses of all sizes reduce overheads and focus on higher-value activities.

IT AND SECURITY REVIEWS

We’ve also continued to offer free IT and security reviews, which have proven to be a valuable resource for businesses looking to understand their current position. These reviews give organisations a clear picture of their systems and help them plan more strategically for the future with input from our experienced team.

SUMMARY

As we look ahead, one thing is clear: businesses that prioritise strong cyber security, embrace automation, and make informed decisions about their IT are better equipped to thrive in an increasingly digital world. By investing in the right technology and support, organisations can not only protect what they’ve built, they can create space to grow, innovate, and lead with confidence.

Sources

IASME Consortium: What are the benefits of Cyber Essentials?
IASME Consortium: Why is Cyber Essentials important?

IQ in IT is a proactive managed service provider dedicated to revolutionising IT support with secure, sustainable solutions and customer service at its core. Guided by a commitment to carbon neutrality, the team prioritises sustainability over profit and collaborates closely with clients to optimise operations. By investing in the latest technology and tools, IQ in IT stays ahead of change – delivering responsive, reliable and innovative IT management that prevents issues before they arise.

Find more information at https://iqinit.uk/.